Inappropriate topics are central themes in this book
This series was recommended by a good friend (who had not read the series yet). I was shocked to see some of the items discussed in this book, examples below:
- death and reincarnation are a central theme
- drinking liquor (schnapps) (yes it actually says this and explains that schnapps is a form of liquor)
- smoking cigars
- one of the quotes actually states "take a leak on the sofa".
I realize the intention was to be funny, but my 2nd grader doesn't need to be exposed to this information yet. I have only read this book, so I'm not sure about the rest of the series, but will read every one of the books before my children do.
Hilariously Funny
I came across this book when I was tutoring a third grader in reading in the Cleveland Public Schools during 2004. I thought this book was hilarious and immediately wanted to read the whole book. The whole concept of finding a talking cat at the animal shelter was very appealing to me because I like cats. This has to be the funniest book I ever read and recommend it for adults who want a laugh as well as for kids of all ages. I took it as being a sort of satire on reincarnation. I am thankful to the third grader who introduced me to the Zack File series. I eagerly read other ones since, but this one is the BEST of All that I read.
Karen Arlettaz Zemek, Author of "My Funny Dad, Harry"
This opening book hooked my 7 year old on the series!
I've been looking for a while for a nice long series of books that my 7 year old really liked. I wanted to read to him each night, and perhaps even tempt him to read to himself when I made myself too busy! He has an interest as many kids do in the supernatural, but I didn't want anything too extreme in this direction. The Zack Files are perfect! To start with, they are hilarious, especially for kids, but somewhat to me also. They are clearly written, fast moving, not lots of description, and have great plots. This first entry is about Zack adopting a cat that turns out to be a reincarnated relative of his. My son especially loved the fact that characters, including the cat, show up over and over in later books. You could probably jump into this series at any point, but I would start here---it's one of the strongest titles and a lot of fun to read!
Zack Files Great-Grandpa's in the Litter Box
The Zack Files:
Great Grandpa Julius Is in The Litter Box
A review by: Lauren Richardson age, 8
This book is about a boy named Zack. Zack goes to the shelter for a cat. He comes back with a talking cat that say's he's Zack's great-grandpa Julius. Great Grandpa Julius the talking cat told cat lies can Zack trust him?
If you like books that have people in their fictional lives, Zack Files are good books for you! I liked this book because I really like fiction.
I like the T.V. show too on HBO. I give it 10 stars
This is the first book and the greatest in the Zack Files series. My favorite part was the shelter. It was funny and easy to read.
I recommend this book to 2nd graders and up.
Get 'em reading right now
For three years, I've tried to interest my now eight-year-old in reading. This series is the first he has wanted to read. He finishes one Zack Files story and immediately wants the next book. The children in his class at school are asking my son to donate the books so that they can read the series too. The titles are catchy -- pulling the children into reading!
In this story, Zack starts out to adopt a kitten and ends up with a very, very old cat. The author introduces the word reincarnation and repeats it throughout the story, so that the child can learn a new concept and understand it. New words are cleverly defined. Ah! A talking cat, imagine that, but read to find out what the cat has at the bank... This story includes the words cigar and schnapps, which may be for the adult reader and ignored by children.
These books are perfect for book reports because the action is fast, funny and happens in each chapter. The books are illustrated, short (50-60 pages) and complicated enough so that they hold adult interest. Read them too, so you can talk with your child after they read them silently. Dan Greenburg has a wonderful imagination, so you never know what Zack will do next. Also, the author doesn't use a lot of extra words, so the books are true page turners.
Zack's parents are divorced. It isn't discussed, but presented as a fact. You don't have to read these books in order, but you should encourage it because after your child works their way through these stories they will have read 26+ books. What an accomplishment! Our local elementary school rates this series 2.2 - 3.0 grade reading level.
(9 reviews)
